Thunderstorms, but great birding.

Thursday 24th August 2023.

The view from the Meonshore Hide overlooking the South Scrape.

It was another day out with the boys today, Mssrs. Farwell and Fisher and this time, we made our way to the Hides of Titchfield Haven knowing full well that heavy rain was on its way and what better than do some comfortable birding from the Hides with these two Herberts! Yes, the rain did come and DID it come, with a bit of thunder thrown in too, which actually made the Meonshore Hide floor rattle! Of late, both Garganey and Little Stint had been present over the past few days at this site, two species I have yet to see this year. Better still, Andy was up for driving down to this superb reserve.

Above, the immigrant micro moth, Rush Veneer and below, the dark form of Orange Swift moth.

But first, of course, the moths! I got a little surprise tonight when I started checking my moth photos on my mobile phone. One of the Grass-veneer micro moths turned out to be a ‘Lifer’, a Hook-tipped Grass-veneer (Platytes alpinella) and a smart little individual too. Another two more ‘year-ticks’ were added to my ever expanding year list: a dark form of Orange Swift and the immigrant micro moth, Rush Veneer. The latter is a relatively common immigrant moth and can turn up in large numbers. Yet again, I have to say that Andy’s garden comes up with the goods. I have not put my moth box on this week as the outside power point got soaked and tripped the electrics in my house. Luckily, I know a good electrician who will be fixing it over the weekend. Phew! The moths present by Andy’s moth box this morning included the following: 

• 1 Orange Swift (NFY)
• 1 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 2 Large Yellow Underwing
• 6 Willow Beauty
• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 2 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 1 Hook-tipped Grass-veneer (LIFER)
• 1 Common Grass-veneer
• 1 Rush Veneer (NFY)

My third Bush Cricket of the week, an Oak Bush-cricket on the back of Andy's back door. Below, a new moth for my life list, Hook-tipped Grass-veneer.

Andy was driving his car again this morning and parking on Cliff Road at Hill Head at around 9.45am, we grabbed our gear and then took a walk down to the Sailing Club car park, where we checked out the shore for anything of note. The tide was well out, but there was a flock of Common Terns to sift through, though no surprises among them. A few Ringed Plover, Turnstone and a small flock of Black-tailed Godwit that flew along the beach heading west were all the waders we could see. The sea was dead calm, with possibly two very distant Great Crested Grebes swimming on the water, but it was looking very dark over the Isle of Wight and it was heading this way.

Above, from the Sailing club car park, we found a flock of Common Terns resting on the receding tide. Below, one of four Common Sandpipers in front of the Meonshore Hide.

We purchased our £6.50 entrance fee tickets, discussed what was going on with the running of the reserve with the lovely lady behind the counter, had a good chat with the lady behind the counter and then made our way to the Meonshore Hide. On the way there, a Kingfisher flew off over the River Meon by the Bridge as we strolled along the roadside and some attractive Turnstone that were still in summer plumage scurried around the small harbour to the south. 

Above, one of two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers that was in front of the Hide and below, the young Common Tern waiting to be fed, with a juvenile Moorhen close by.

 

The Hide was empty of people when we arrived, but in front of the Hide, the South Scrape was very busy with birds. Our trip here got off to a great start as It didn't take long for Geoff to pick out the juvenile Little Stint, which was right in front of the Hide (a second bird was seen later by us in the afternoon and a third bird was found after we had left) and joined by two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. Along with four Common Sandpipers, our two visits to this particular Hide produced a good variety of waders. This included a healthy flock of Oystercatchers that included one individual sporting a nearly all white plumage, save for a few black feathers on the head! Lapwing were abundant, while other waders included a couple of Dunlin, three Avocets (including a juvenile bird), four Common Snipe and as the rain came bucketing down, four Green Sandpipers dropped onto the South Scrape. At the far end of the Scrape, at least a dozen or so Black-tailed Godwits could be seen and a Spotted Redshank in winter plumage was over on the east side of the Scrape along with a few Redshank nearby.

Above and below, one of the juvenile Little Stints on the reserve.

Above, the juvenile Little Stint, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and two Common Sandpipers gathered together in front of the Hide. Below, two of the Common Sandpipers about to settle down on one of the islands.

Wildfowl on the South Scrape included Teal, Shoveler, Mallard and our first Wigeon of the Autumn, when four birds dropped in and settled on the North Scrape. Eventually, the Garganey, which was my second ‘year-tick’ of the day, eventually gave itself up as Geoff picked it up at the northern end of the Scrape feeding out of the water sifting through the soft mud. I dipped earlier this year on the three birds at Posbrook Floods in the Spring and so was relieved in catching up with this bird.

Away from birds, there were some other interesting wildlife around including (above) a Comma butterfly seen and below, good numbers of Common Darters around the footpaths.

Above, Geoff pointed out these small Teasel plants in flower and below, this Speckled Wood butterfly was just outside the Spurgen Hide with many more along the footpath.

Other birds noted during our time in the Meonshore Hide included a female Marsh Harrier flying west over the reeds and a pair of Common Terns coming in to feed its youngster on one of the islands on the Scrape. Pleased with what we had seen, we then took a slow walk to the Spurgen Hide. A Bittern was seen here earlier this week and there was always a chance that it could reappear. I had read earlier on the Noticeboard within the Information Centre that a ‘ringing’ session had taken place yesterday and up to 25 Grasshopper Warblers had been caught, but sadly, to Andy’s dismay, we did not see any of the birds today.

The Kingfisher that was showing distantly, but well, in front of the Spurgin Hide.

Leaving the Hide, Andy found a male Redstart in a tree by the footpath, though it was too quick for me to grab a photo of the bird. A few Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and a Common Whitethroat were also seen along the footpath before we reached the Spurgin Hide, along with good numbers of both Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies. Even a few butterflies were on the wing here including Speckled Wood and a few Comma’s.

Above, a pair of Avocets were alongside a juvenile bird on the South Scrape and below, good numbers of Lapwing were present including this bird in front of the Meonshore Hide.

From the Spurgin Hide (we were told the Pumphrett Hide was closed for repairs), a fishing Kingfisher entertained us by hovering over the water a few times and regularly perched on a branch poking out of the water. Occasionally, a Cetti’s Warbler would fly over the reeds and quickly disappear into them. A few Med Gulls flew south over the reserve, but despite a good search around the reedbeds, there was no sign of the Bittern for us today and so we finished off in the Meonshore Hide to see if we could find the elusive Garganey of which we were successful. Our timing was impeccable on reaching the Meonshore Hide as the rain then began to first fall and then simply poured down and along with the thunder. 

Above, a Common Sandpiper in front of the Hide and below, a bemused Redshank in the heavy rain.

One of two Dunlins on the reserve.

Earlier today, when purchasing our ticket, I couldn't help overhearing a visitor saying that he had seen a photo of a Long-tailed Blue butterfly taken from a garden near where we parked this morning. We were hoping to find the butterfly, but the rain put paid to that and I got the message to get home to take our Isabelle swimming. A ‘lifer’ moth and two bird ‘year-ticks’ today. Great stuff.

The distant Garganey was feeding at the back of the South Scrape, but through the scope, we could clearly see the facial pattern on the duck to help clinch the ID.

Flamingo fantasy!

Tuesday 22nd August 2023.

This adult Curlew Sandpiper graced the pools at Pennington Marshes recently. Photo by Christine Whiffen.

There was no birding or mothing by myself today and so I took the opportunity to not only catch up with today's sightings but also to put on my blog some superb photos I have seen recently on various social media sites. Tuesday was very nice with the weather, though a tad warm in the afternoon as I got about doing some chores around the house. As we know, migration is in full swing and there were plenty of interesting common migrants on the south coast today including good numbers of both Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail coming through. 

This cracking Clifden Nonpareil moth was found & photographed by Matt Parkes today.

I have not seen a Whinchat yet this year and currently, there is one down at Farlington Marshes as I write this entry to my blog tonight. But I am cooking a Casserole for my wife and myself, so that bird will just have to wait to have the honour of my presence. Andy Fisher texted me to say that he went down there to see this ‘imaginary’ Flamingo reported early this morning in Langstone Harbour. For his efforts, all he saw of note was a Snipe on the Lake and a Brent Goose on the Stream. Gosh! Anyway, the jokes were good by the ‘Lazee’s’ about the Flamingo.

A Goat Moth caterpillar found and photographed by James Cutting.

Other interesting sightings today included a Clifden Nonpareil moth (Blue Underwing) that was found by Matt Parkes at his workplace in Alresford and he kindly sent through some photos of the huge moth. Lucky man. Fellow ‘Lazee’, James Cutting, found a Goat Moth caterpillar recently in Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk. I have never seen a Goat Moth and probably never will in Southsea, but you never know! Titchfield Haven today hosted both Garganey and Little Stint on the South Scrape, two species I have yet to see this year and while I am both writing this and watching a Migrant Hawker dragonfly hunting around mine and my neighbours garden, news has just come in that a Black Stork had been seen in Brockenhurst! We shall wait and see if the news is genuine or just another Flamingo in disguise!!  

My 200th bird species for the year today.

Monday 21st  August 2023.

A pair of Poplar Hawk-moths were present this morning by Andy's moth box.

A busy, busy day regarding wildlife today, which kicked off at Andy Fisher's house, by checking his moth box for ‘Mothy goodness’! We were planning a day of birding today where Andy was hoping to grab some more ‘year-ticks’ for his Hampshire bird list and maybe, I just might reach the magic 200 species for the year. Checking the weather for today, it was supposed to be overcast up to around 10am and then bright sunshine afterwards. Sounds good, but where to go? He was keen on Pig Bush in the New Forest or somewhere coastal, but I suggested Old Winchester Hill for not only migrant passerines, but also for some of our rarer butterflies: Chalkhill Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper.

Yellow Shell, only my second of the year.

However, the moths needed to be looked at and I was very pleased with what was present this morning. There were two new moths added to my year list today that included a superb Mocha, a Cypress Pug and the micro moth, Lesser Wax Moth (only my second ever). Two Poplar Hawk-moths were also present and I have to say, I have not seen this species for a few years then they come along like Buses! That's three in just one week! My second Yellow Shell was found by Andy when he moved his Rubbish Bin out for collection. It really begs the question: what if I used my moth box up here and what I just might get?

Only my second ever Lesser Wax Moth.

This morning's moths recorded this morning included the following:

• 2 Poplar Hawk-moth
• 1 Yellow Shell
• 4 Double-striped Pug
• 3 Brimstone Moth
• 10 Willow Beauty
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Cypress Pug (NFY)
• 1 Mocha (NFY)
• 4 Large Yellow Underwing
• 7 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Heart & Dart
• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Lesser Wax Moth (NFY)
• 1 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 5 Common Grass-veneer
• 1 Box Tree Moth
• 2 Common Plume
• 1 Beautiful Plume
• 1 White-shouldered House Moth 

My first Mocha moth of the year. Andy's garden can most certainly throw up some fantastic moths.

So it was agreed that we were to go to Old Winchester Hill and we were not to be disappointed either. Arriving around 9.45am, it was overcast when we arrived at a near deserted car park, but eventually the dog-walkers, cyclists and ramblers eventually arrived as the day wore on. It was fairly quiet by the main entrance, though a Willow Warbler could be heard and only fleetingly seen deep within a bramble bush.

Above, the rich fauna of Old Winchester Hill, full of flowering plants, butterflies and birds to be found here. Below, a Common Carpet moth near the gate overlooking this beautiful view.

From our first stop, which was to be the Remembrance seat for the late Dave Compton, a great advocat for this beautiful area, we had a drop of coffee from Andy’s flask. Surrounded by Wild Marjoram and Ragwort, it will certainly bring in the butterflies today once the sun burns off the clouds, but nearby, I could hear both Common Field Grasshoppers and Roesel’s Bush Cricket calling on the nearby low brambles. It didn't take too long to find both species either. Cracking little creatures. While checking the Grasshoppers, a pair of Tree Pipits flew over and headed off west over the valley below, which was an excellent start. Sadly, despite these wonderful sightings, I found two discarded plastic bottles in the grass. Even such a stunning place like this still has disgusting individuals that do not care about their countryside. Sad times.

Above, a Roesel's Bush-cricket resting in a bramble. Many were heard among the Grasshoppers here on the Hill and below, this Red Kite seemed to pair up with this Common Buzzard all the time we watched it overhead.

A pair of Red Kites were seen flying over the countryside together just before we got to the car park and a few more were seen during the morning here as well as at least three Common Buzzards. Other raptors seen included a distant Sparrowhawk over the Fort and at least four Kestrels were seen hunting over the south side of the Fort. As we walked towards the path leading to the Fort entrance, we had sightings of a small flock of both Great and Blue Tits and also a Yellowhammer flying south. A Song Thrush flew in and out of a bramble by the seat and while walking along the footpath, Meadow Brown, Small White and even a superb Adonis Blue butterfly were seen. Even a Vapourer Moth flew past with its distinctive spiral flight pattern.

Above, a male Adonis Blue and below and below, a Gatekeeper butterfly.

The walk adjacent to the fields produced a large flock of Hirudines overhead, both House Martins and Swallows, that hawked for insects. A pair of Blackcaps popped out of a clearing briefly; too quick for me to grab a photo, but looked gorgeous in the sunshine through the binoculars. An odd looking Meadow Brown butterfly stopped us in our tracks, thinking it might be something different, but it was most definitely a Meadow Brown.

Above, this Meadow Brown butterfly caught our eye and below, one of many Tree Pipits seen this morning.

On reaching the seat by the entrance to the Fort, we had another ten minute coffee break and enjoyed the superb view overlooking the valley below. From here, a Chiffchaff was flitting about in a bush nearby and more Tree Pipits were heard going over and a few seen. I checked the bushes to the north and picked out our first Spotted Flycatchers of the morning. I counted at least three birds in one bush, but they would not stay there long because a family of walkers decided to walk in the same direction and so flushed the birds. Hurrumph! From the seat, Gatekeeper butterflies were now on the wing as well as both Large White and a Red Admiral. Below us, down in the valley below, I picked out a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched high in one of the dead trees, calling loudly to a rival male.

Above, a Common Whitethroat seen by the Fort area and below, a nearby Tree Pipit perched near the former.

We were in for one more surprise this morning when we got to the entrance gate to the Fort for a final pitstop on the bench here. I heard the distant call of a Yellow Wagtail and thankfully, Andy picked up a flock of four flying south over the valley. I quickly got onto them and punched the air in delight because this was my 200th species for the year and also another new bird for Andy’s year list. Happy days. It was all the usual birds and butterflies on the way back to the car and within the car park, I heard a call I did not recognise. When the bird flew out and I did get a very good view of it, it turned out to be a Chiffchaff, but the call was unlike what I have heard before from this species. It did not hang around long and disappeared to the north behind the car park and never to be seen again. Interesting.

Above, another view of the Tree Pipit and below, a male Yellowhammer joined these birds.

Our target species was sought and found. We found good numbers of Chalkhill Blue’s around along with plenty of Common Blue’s too; both male and female individuals. A couple more Adonis Blue’s showed well as did Small Heath, Large Skipper and best of all, a Silver-spotted Skipper that briefly was seen on a flower before flying off at speed to the north. Sadly, I did not get a photo of the insect, but at least we saw it. A Speckled Wood was seen along the path back to the car to add to our Butterfly list today (11 species). I found a Five-spotted Burnet Moth on one of the plants too this morning. 

Above, a pair of Gatekeeper butterflies feeding on Wild Marjoram plants. Below, a male Kestrel was one of four in the area. 

We were in for one more surprise this morning when we got to the entrance gate to the Fort for a final pitstop on the bench here. I heard the distant call of a Yellow Wagtail and thankfully, Andy picked up a flock of four flying south over the valley. I quickly got onto them and punched the air in delight because this was my 200th species for the year and also another new bird for Andy’s year list. Happy days. It was all the usual birds and butterflies on the way back to the car and within the car park, I heard a call I did not recognise. When the bird flew out and I did get a very good view of it, it turned out to be a Chiffchaff, but the call was unlike what I have heard before from this species. It did not hang around long and disappeared to the north behind the car park and never to be seen again. Interesting.

Above and below, up to four Ravens flew together heading north over the Fort. 

Above, a Five-spotted Burnet Moth and below, one of many Chalkhill Blue butterflies.

Andy was up for more ‘year-ticks’ and suggested we take the drive north to a Wood near Axford and Farleigh Wallop, in North Hampshire, for one known site for Willow Tit. This species has become extremely rare in Hampshire and although I saw one earlier in the year in North Yorkshire, I fancied the idea of seeing one in Hampshire again and so off we went. To cut a long story short, I cannot give the location of the Wood we were in, but we struck gold after a patient 15 minute wait as I heard a bird nearby and eventually caught sight of the bird eating a berry or nut within a small Silver Birch tree. Andy was absolutely chuffed and while we were there, I found a pair of Dark Bush-crickets perched on a Dock Leaf. Another one was found, but this time, it sat on a discarded McDonalds bag!! The good and the bad! 

Above, another male Chalkhill Blue butterfly on a Round-headed Rampion plant and below, a Dark Bush-cricket by the secret wood!

Pleased with his sighting of the Willow Tit, he suggested a final throw of the dice and go for the Pink-footed Goose at Tundry Pond! This bird has returned to Tundry Pond for its second year and whether it's a genuine wild individual is most certainly up for debate. Other well known 'listers' have ‘ticked it off’ and I have never seen this species in Hampshire and so off we went. I have never been to Tundry Pond, but I have to say, I am quite impressed with the location and the Pond itself. Not only was it full of bird life, but good numbers of Migrant Hawker dragonflies present here also plus a few Damselflies on the wing.

Above, a distant Great White Egret on Tundry Pond and below, Andy contemplating if only the Pink-footed Goose was here. Never mind.

We spent at least 90 minutes here in the warm sunshine (thankfully, I had my wide brimmed hat with me this time, phew!!!), but despite search after search through the many Grey Lag, Canada and Egyptian Geese present; there was no sign of the Pink-footed Goose. Maybe it was on nearby Fleet Pond? It wasn't all that bad as there were some nice birds present and totally unexpected too. I found a Great White Egret fishing on the far side of the Pond and a Little Egret was perched in a bush nearby. A pair of Kingfishers chased each other over the Pond and both Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck were abundant on the water. Red Kites and Buzzards patrolled the air and a few Chiffchaffs were exploring the Willows on the edge of the Pond. Though it was a bit of a walk to the Pond from where we parked, it was a pleasant walk with the potential of finding something very interesting. I do hope something like that happens soon, for I would like to come back here again. 

Above, despite a good long search through all the Geese present around and on Tundry Pond, there was no sign of the star bird. Below, a Red Kite soared low over the area here with a Swallow in the photo too.

That was a great day's birding (and we went in Andy’s car too!!) and even on the way back down the A3, a Hobby flew low over the road and headed off east to round off a superb day out.